How to break up at work

Dating a colleague can be a tricky affair. It can all be hunky-dory till flings go sour and working with your colleague-cum-ex lover becomes incredibly awkward. Even though this sounds like a treacherous situation, an international study shows that about 70 per cent of the workforce plunges merrily into office dalliances, with about 25 per cent reporting happily ever-afters. But if you fall in the other larger bracket of heartbroken people at work, you can land yourself in a whole world of pain, where you might find it difficult to maintain your composure. So here’s a basic guide to how you manage a breakup at work:

Be professionalOf course, it will be a super awkward situation where you will have to work with a colleague with whom you had been romantically involved. It may hurt like hell, but you need to keep it professional at all costs. If you need to interact with him, stick only to official matters. If you are sitting close to each other, ask your HR personnel for a different corner. If office romances are against company policies, then cite other kinds of disturbances which are forcing you to ask for a change.

Distract yourselfIt’s going to be extremely painful seeing him at work every day, if you are the one who didn’t want a breakup. So invest more time in your relationships outside your office. Hang out with your friends, not just your colleagues. Manage your time well so that you can pursue your hobbies as well.

Malicious exIf it had been a really ugly breakup or if you had been the one asking for parting ways, be careful about malicious behaviour from your ex. If you find him badmouthing you or trying to dent your image, speak to your supervisors. Be candid, and accept whatever measures the authorities advise.

Avoid gossipYou might fall prey to office gossip regarding your affair. Try to avoid all such people who indulge in spreading salacious comments about your breakup. Be aloof and do not go for direct confrontations with the colleagues who are spreading rumours. If they are crossing certain limits, speak to authorities.

Seek a changeIf, even after following all such basic steps, the pain refuses to subside, seek a transfer to another city. Change jobs, only if you are convinced that it will be absolutely difficult for you to continue in the same work space.